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By Alexander Poltorak I. Introduction Modern physics has revealed a fascinating and perplexing reality at the quantum level, in which particles do not seem to occupy definite states until they are measured. This phenomenon—known as the “measurement problem”—remains one of the most enduring mysteries in quantum mechanics. Remarkably, a spiritual parallel to this quandary appears in the study of Torah and Kabbalah, specifically within the symbolism surrounding the building of the Tabernacle (Mishkan). In both realms—science and spirituality—there is a profound link between measurement and the actualization of possibilities. This essay aims to explore the measurement problem in quantum mechanics alongside its “counterpart” in Kabbalistic thought, showing how each tradition grapples with the question of how nebulous possibilities become concrete realities. II. The Measurement Problem in Quantum Mechanics 1. The Enigma of Collapse At the heart [...]

By Alexander Poltorak This essay is a sequel to the earlier installments, “The Binary Universe II: Angels as Microprocessors,” “Binary Universe III: Two Camps of Angels,” and “The Ontological Ambiguity of Messengers: From Angels to AI.” I. Introduction The Book of Genesis presents a remarkable progression in Jacob’s encounters with angels, offering profound insights into humanity’s evolving relationship with non-human intelligence. These encounters trace a path from passive observation to active engagement, ultimately culminating in a physical confrontation. This progression provides a unique framework for understanding our own evolving relationship with artificial intelligence. II. The Four Encounters Jacob’s first angelic encounter occurs in a dream: And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven; and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on [...]

Introduction This essay is a sequel to “Bereshit: The Binary Universe I.” The first instalment explored the ideal of a binary universe hinted at by first letter of the Torah—the letter Bet (ב). We explored how the primordial duality of moti velo moti (“to touch and not to touch”), that is, the duality of emanation and withholding the light through the Tzimtzum (primordial contraction), manifests across multiple dimensions of existence. We examined the Creator-creation relationship, the nature of time, and paradoxes inherent in divine attributes, showing how these apparent dualities emerge from absolute divine unity. In this installment, we will focus on one aspect of the duality: software vs hardware. The Hard Problem of the Binary Universe Proposing that the universe is a binary code presents a fundamental problem: code represents software that [...]

Introduction Building upon our interpretation of the four classical elements as developmental stages in the formation of physical reality, we find a remarkable parallel in modern cosmology. The stages of the Big Bang and subsequent inflationary model of the universe can be divided into four distinct periods that correspond to the four letters of the Tetragrammaton, the four classical elements, and the four worlds of Seder Hishtalshelut (“Chain-like Order” [of Created Worlds]). This alignment illustrates the universality of these developmental stages across both spiritual and physical realms. The Four Cosmological Epochs Planck Epoch — Yud (י) — Fire (Aish) This period corresponds to the letter Yud in the Tetragrammaton—the smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet, essentially a point, symbolizing the initial singularity. It also corresponds to the element of Aish (Fire), representing intense [...]